Minister of Social Affairs: Expedite Implementation of Unified Visual Identity for Cooperative Societies - Sarmad

The Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, discussed several topics related to the development of cooperative work and the enhancement of services provided to shareholders and residents of areas during a meeting with the chairs of the boards of directors of cooperative societies.

Dr. Al-Huwail emphasized during the meeting, attended by the appointed director of the Union of Cooperative Societies, Mariam Awad, and members of the Visual Identity Unification Committee, the importance of accelerating the implementation of the unified visual identity for the societies following the official adoption and registration of the logo.

She noted that standardizing the external appearance contributes to improving the facilities of the societies and enhancing the general look of the areas, stressing the necessity of completing the canopy modification works in the societies and monitoring their implementation in accordance with the approved identity.

She highlighted the importance of finalizing the preparation of organizational structures and salary scales in a manner that considers the needs and capacities of the societies, thereby supporting job stability and efforts toward Kuwaitization.

She pointed out the importance of including in development plans measures to facilitate access and movement within cooperative societies for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and to adapt facilities and services to meet their needs, providing them with a shopping experience that is easier, safer, and more independent.

She called on the boards of directors to pay attention to the cleanliness, maintenance, and upkeep of the societies and their facilities, to monitor the availability of goods and compliance with price regulations, and to address observations and shortcomings promptly.

Dr. Al-Huwail affirmed the responsibility of the boards of directors to make sound decisions, protect, preserve, and grow shareholders’ funds, and achieve the best possible returns for them, while continuing to provide services that meet the needs of shareholders and residents of the areas.

She stressed the importance of adhering to transparency and integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring the safety of procurement, supply, and contracting procedures, as well as the management of investment branches, in accordance with laws and regulations.

She clarified that the Ministry’s oversight aims to support cooperative work, verify compliance with laws, decisions, and regulations, and address shortcomings before they escalate. She noted that legal measures, including “dissolution,” “dismissal,” or “referral to the Public Prosecution,” are taken only when warranted and are not an end in themselves.

Dr. Al-Huwail stated that the Ministry will continue its ongoing supervision and monitoring of the societies’ operations and will not tolerate any proven violations or transgressions according to legal procedures, in order to protect shareholders’ funds and ensure compliance with the laws and decisions governing cooperative work.

She emphasized the importance of monitoring the performance of appointed managers and board members, and the necessity of submitting periodic reports detailing completed tasks, addressed observations, and obstacles faced, enabling the Ministry to follow up on work and support them in fulfilling their responsibilities.

She noted the Ministry’s commitment to cooperating with the societies and facilitating necessary procedures to accomplish priorities, highlighting the political leadership’s attention and care for the cooperative sector in recognition of its role in serving citizens and contributing to societal development. She called for continued joint efforts to achieve the interests of the societies and their shareholders, contribute to the development of cooperative work, and enhance the status and reputation of the State of Kuwait in this field.